Croatia Day 5

Day 5: Sailing to Mljet 

Our first night on the boat was  a learning experience regarding comfort levels for all 8 (excluding Cap'n Luca) and AC control.  Some were too hot, others too cold (believe it or not, Jeri was on the cold roster).  By morning, we sorted it all out, and figured we'd be good for the rest of the voyage.

We had french toast (with pure maple syrup, thanks to Jeri's excellent planning ahead as usual) for breakfast and then headed out of the slip.  To get to open water we had to pass under the Leonard Zakim Bridge East (actually, The Franjo Tuđman Bridge that is a knock-off of the I-93 bridge in Boston).

Once out of the harbor, we headed for Mljet Island.  Mljet’s history can be traced back some 4,000 years to the Illyrians, whose archeological remains were discovered in the channel where they are believed to have been pirates. The Romans, though, credited with the discovery of this island. Mljet came under Roman rule in 167BC, initially calling it  Melita, from the ancient Greek word for honey. It is believed that Mljet was once covered in honeybee colonies. We planned to overnight at the southeastern tip of the island at Sablunra, a beautiful secluded anchorage that boasted a 5-star restaurant and guest house.  

The winds were not at all in our favor for sailing.  Though the day was gorgeous, bright sun and high 80s, we had Bura winds. Bura and Jugo are two contrasting Adriatic winds: Bura is a strong, cold, and dry north-northeast wind. Jugo, also known as Scirocco, is a warm and wet south-southeast wind. Bura can be fierce and gusty, potentially reaching gale force, while Jugo is more persistent and can bring storms and high waves. Fortunately, no Jugo and very mild Bura wind, but we were still having sustained 18-20 kts with 25kt gusts and Luca felt it would be more comfortable to motor. The water was not terribly rough with none of the crew feeling any ill effects (including Molly and me-the  most sensitive).

We arrived at Solburna on Mljet and were met by our host, Antonio.  His family owned the cove (and restaurant) where we were going to spend the night.

Antonio

Craig and Rich got the dock lines ready with David supervising.

After a superb mooring job by the crew and supervisor,  we had our first opportunity to swim off the boat in the Adriatic.  Craig and the Daves decided to get some exercise and swim to shore and the more feint of heart took the Luca water taxi.  

Dave (from now on Dave Wood's moniker) joined the rest of the crew for a hike to a secluded beach.

and David (now short for D.S.) and I swam laps in the Adriatic. (sorry, no photos, no one left to take pictures).

On their return, all hot and sweaty, almost everyone (not Molly and all but Jeri's toes) spent the rest of the afternoon swimming.

BRRRRR!

After 8 Navy showers in the multi-use bathrooms onboard, we all cleaned up nicely and took the LucaUber to shore for dinner.  Luca had very specific ideas about what we should have for dinner, so we pre-ordered 2 1/2 kg of freshly caught John Dory and Sea Bass cooked on a wood grill.

Rich and Molly decided to order ala carte (Rich had a beautifully cooked tuna steak and Molly, a beautifully cooked salad).  Our grilled fish was amazing! I even was able to get the recipe so we can cook this at home (once we can figure out how to catch fish in Grantham and get our wood fired grill).  The recipe is fresh fish, salt, and lots of good olive oil. It wa served with grilled vegetables and a mashed potato and spinach combo that was delicious.

We Ubered back to the boat and headed to our cabins, tired from the sun and eating.  

Tomorrow we are off to the opposite end of Mljet to Mljet National Park in Pomena.